Crux

Mathematicorum
Volume 17 , Number 2

February 1991

CONTENTS
The Olympiad Corner: No. 122 : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : R.E. Woodrow 33
Book Review : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : 42
Call For Papers|ICME : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : 42
Problems: 1611{1620 : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : 43
Solutions: 1390, 1430, 1486, 1492{1501, 1503 : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : 45
Jack Garfunkel : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : 64

33

THE OLYMPIAD CORNER

No. 122
R.E. WOODROW

All communications about this column should be sent to Professor R.E. Woodrow,
Department of Mathematics and Statistics, The University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta,
Canada, T2N 1N4.
It has been some time since we published a problem set from France, and in this
issue we give the problems of the 1988 sitting of the French national competition. Thanks
to Bruce Shawyer, Memorial University of Newfoundland, for sending them in.

COMPOSITION DE MATHE MATIQUES

Session de 1988
Time: 5 hours
Problem I. Let N , p, n be non-zero whole numbers. Consider a rectangular
matrix T having n lines numbered 1 through n, and p columns numbered 1 through p. For
1  i  n and 1  k  p, the entry in row i and column k is an integer aik satisfying
1  aik  N . Let Ei be the set of integers appearing in row i.
Answer Question 1 or 2.
Question 1.
In this question two further conditions are imposed on T :
i. for 1  i  n, Ei has exactly p elements;
ii. for dierent values of i and j , the sets Ei and Ej are dierent.
Let m be the smallest value of N for which, given values for n and p, one can form a matrix
T having the preceding properties.
(a) Calculate m for n = p + 1.
(b) Calculate m for n = 10 and p = 1988.
(c) Determine the limit of mp=n where p is xed and n tends to innity.
Question 2.
In this question we replace the two extra conditions of Question 1 by the two
following conditions:
i. p = n;
ii. for every ordered pair of positive integers (i; k) with i + k  n, the integer aik
does not belong to the set Ei k .
(a) Show that for distinct i and j the sets Ei and Ej are dierent.
(b) Show that if n is at least 2q , where q is a positive integer, then N  q + 1.
(c) Suppose that n = 2r , 1, where r is a xed positive integer. Show that N  r.
Exercise II. Determine, for n a positive integer, the sign of n + 5n sin n + 1. For
which positive integers n is it true that
n + 5n cos n + 1  10, ?
n + 5n sin n + 1
30

34

Exercise III. Consider two spheres  and  and a straight line
which does not
1

meet them. For i = 1 and i = 2, let Ci be the centre of i , Hi the orthogonal projection
of Ci on
, ri the radius of i , and let di be the distance of Ci to
. Let M be a point
on
, and for i = 1 and i = 2, let Ti be the point of contact with i of a plane tangent to
i and passing through M ; set i(M ) = MTi . Situate M on
so that  (M ) +  (M ) is
minimized.
Exercise IV. Consider ve points M , M , M , M , M situated on a circle C in
the plane. Show that the product of the distances of M from the lines M M and M M
equals the product of the distances from M to the lines M M and M M . What can one
deduce about 2n + 1 distinct points M ; : : : ; M n; M situated on C ?
1

Now we turn to solutions sent in response to the appeal to help \tidy up" the
archives.
K797. [1983: 270] Problems from Kvant.
It is well known that the last digit of the square of an integer is one of the following:
0,1,4,5,6,9. Is it true that any nite sequence of digits may appear before the last one, that
is, for any sequence of n digits fa ; a ; : : : ; ang there exists an integer whose square ends
with the digits a a : : : anb, where b is one of the digits listed above?
Solutions by Andy Liu, University of Alberta and by Richard K. Guy, University of
Calgary.
The answer is no. The sequence of digits 101 cannot precede the units digit in
any square. Suppose on the contrary that there exist integers k and y, and a digit x in
f0; 1; : : : ; 9g, such that k = 10 y + 1010 + x. We know that k  0 or 1 mod 4. Now
10 y + 1010 + x  2 + x mod 4. Hence x = 2, 3, 6 or 7. However, k cannot end in 2,
3, or 7. Hence k = 10 y + 1016. We must have k = 2h for some integer h, and then
h = 2500y + 254  2 mod 4, a contradiction.
Alternatively, consider any sequence of the form 40k + 39. Squares cannot end as
: : : 90, : : : 91, : : : 94, : : : 95 or : : : 99, and 400k +396 = (10x  4) gives 20k +19 = 5x  4x,
which implies that x is odd and 19  5 mod 4, a contradiction.
1

Turning now to the 1985 problems from the Corner, I would like to thank Murray
Klamkin who sent in a large number of solutions as well as references to some solutions
which have appeared in his book International Mathematical Olympiads 1979{1985, MAA,
Washington, D.C., 1986. Here is a listing of those problems from the 1985 numbers for
which solutions are discussed in his book.
p.38/#16
p.38/#21
p.72/#40
p.72/#41

Listed as G.I./5
Listed as S.G./2
Listed as G.I./1
Listed as P.G./4

on pp.
on pp.
on pp.
on pp.

13, 88-91.
12, 82.
12, 83{84.
12, 80{81.

35
p.72/#42
p.73/#44
p.73/#45
p.103/#58
p.104/#62
p.104/#65
p.105/#69
p.105/#70
p.305/#7
p.305/#12
p.306/#16

Listed as N.T./5
Listed as A/1
Listed as A/5
Listed as A/9
Listed as C/1
Listed as A/10
Listed as A/8
Listed as A/6
Listed as P.G./3
Listed as G.I./6
Listed as I/2

on pp.
on pp.
on pp.
on pp.
on pp.
on pp.
on pp.
on pp.
on pp.
on pp.
on pp.

11, 76{77.
9, 61{63.
10, 67{68.
10, 72{73.
14, 99{100.
10, 73{75.
10, 71{72.
10, 68{70.
12, 79{80.
13, 91.
13, 96{97.

The next block of solutions are for problems from the unused IMO proposals given
in the 1985 numbers of Crux.

17. [1985: 38] Proposed by Poland.

Given nonnegative real numbers x ; x ; : : : ; xk and positive integers k, m, n such

that km  n, prove that
!
k
k
Y
X
m
n xi , 1  m (xni , 1):
1

i=1

i=1

Solution by Murray S. Klamkin,

University of Alberta.
Let P = x1x2


xk . Since Pki=1 xni  kP n=k , it suces to show that

nP m , n  mkP n=k , mk
or that

Pm , 1  Pr , 1
(1)
m
r
where r = n=k  m. (1) follows from the known result that (P x , 1)=x is increasing in x
for x  0. A proof follows immediately from the integral representation
P x , 1 = Z ext P dt:
x ln P
Finally it is to be noted that m and n need not be positive integers, just being positive
reals with n  km suces.
1

ln

23. [1985: 39] Proposed by the USSR.

A tetrahedron is inscribed in a unit sphere. The tetrahedron is such that the center
of the sphere lies in its interior. Show that the sum of the edge lengths of the tetrahedron
exceeds 6.

36
Comment by Murray S. Klamkin, University of Alberta.
It is shown more generally in [1] that \The total edge length of a simplex inscribed
in a unit sphere in E n with the center in the interior is greater than 2n". Also, still more
general results are given.
Reference:
[1] G. D. Chakerian and M. S. Klamkin, Inequalities for sums of distances, Amer. Math.
Monthly 80 (1973) 1009{1017.

25. [1985: 39] Proposed by the USSR.

A triangle T is constructed with the medians of a right triangle T . If R and R

are the circumradii of T and T , respectively, prove that R > 5R=6.
Solution by Murray S. Klamkin, University of Alberta.
The inequality should be R  5R=6 since equality occurs for an isosceles right
triangle. If a,b,c are the sides of T with c = a + b , then
1

4ma = 4b + a ; 4mb = 4a + b ; 4mc = a + b ;

2

where ma, mb , mc are the medians corresponding to a, b, c respectively. Also,

R = ma4mFb mc = ma3mFbmc
where F = ab=2 is the area of T , F the area of T . Also R = c=2. The given inequality
now becomes 8mamb mc  5abc or, squaring,
1

(a + b )(a + 4b )(4a + b ) = 64(mamb mc )  25a b c = 25a b (a + b ):

2

2 2 2

2 2

Expanding out and factoring, we obtain the obvious inequality

(a + b )(a , b )  0:
2

2 2

There is equality if and only if a = b.

48. [1985: 73] Proposed by the USSR.

Let O be the center of the axis of a right circular cylinder; let A and B be diametrically opposite points in the boundary of its upper base; and let C be a boundary point
of its lower base which does not lie in the plane OAB . Show that
6

BOC + 6 COA + 6 AOB = 2:

Correction and solution by Murray S. Klamkin, University of Alberta.

The inequality should read 6 BOC + 6 COA + 6 AOB  2, and is immediate by
the known result that the sum of the face angles of a convex polyhedral angle is less than
2. See, e.g., p. 61 of my book USA Mathematical Olympiads 1972{1986, MAA, 1988.

37
The last seven solutions are to problems from other Olympiads which appeared in
the 1985 issues.
,
,
S
1
@
2In. the
[1985: 168] 1984 Dutch Olympiad.
@
given diagram, B is a batS4 @@ @,
S2 @@ @S3
tery, L is a lamp, and S , S , S , S ,
,@
L
S are switches. The probability that
@
@
,
switch S is on is 2/3, and it is 1/2 for
,
S5 @
the other four switches. These probabilities are independent. Compute the
probability that the lamp is on.
B
Solution by Murray S. Klamkin, University of Alberta.
More generally, let pi and qi denote switch Si being on or o, respectively, and also
their probabilities so 0  pi; qi  1, pi + qi = 1. The probability that the lamp is on is
given by
X
X
p p p p p + q p p p p + q q p p p ,q q p p p ,q q p p p
1




1 2 3 4 5

1 2 3 4 5

1 2 3 4 5

2 5 1 3 4

1 4 2 3 5

+p p q q q + p p q q q :
The sums are symmetric over the p's and q's. Note that if at most one switch is o, the
lamp is on; if any two switches except q q or q q are o, the lamp is on, and nally if
only two switches are on they must be p p or p p . [Editor's note: this gives a probability
of 25=48 for the above problem.]
1 2 3 4 5

4 5 1 2 3

2 5

1 4

1 2

4 5

4. [1985: 237] 1981 Leningrad High School Olympiad.

A plane is partitioned into an innite set of unit squares by parallel lines. A triangle
ABC is constructed with vertices at line intersections. Show that if jAB j > jAC j, then
jABj , jAC j > 1=p, where p is the perimeter of the triangle. (Grades 8, 9, 10)
Solution by Murray S. Klamkin, University of Alberta.
Without loss of generality we can take the rectangular coordinates of A,B ,C to be
(0; 0), (x; y), (u; v), respectively, where x,y,u,v are integers. Then letting c = jAB j =
x + y , b = jAC j = u + v , a = jBC j = (x , u) + (y , v) , we have to show that
2

(c , b)(c + b + a) = c , b + (c , b)a > 1:

2

Finally, since c , b is a positive integer it is  1; also (c , b)a > 0.

2

6. [1985: 237] 1981 Leningrad High School Olympiad.

In a convex quadrilateral the sum of the distances from any point within the quadrilateral to the four straight lines along which the sides lie is constant. Show that the
quadrilateral is a parallelogram. (Grade 9)

38
Solution by Murray S. Klamkin, University of Alberta.
Assume for the quadrilateral ABCD that
E @ B
lines AD and BC are not parallel; so they must
 @
meet in a point E as in the gure. Now draw
 A @
A  A A 0 @
a chord c = GH of ABCD perpendicular to the
 A A f @
angle bisector of angle E . It follows by consid  fA A
@ H
 
@
A A
ering the area of the isosceles triangle EGH that
c

 
@

A
A

the sum of the distances from any point on c to


@
A A

G
@
lines AD and BC is constant. Consequently, by
A A


A A
@C
F
hypothesis, the sum of the distances from any
D
point of c to lines AB and CD is constant. If AB and CD are not parallel, let their point of
intersection be F and draw 2 chords f and f 0 of ABCD perpendicular to the angle bisector
of angle F , with f nearer to F . It follows easily that the sum of the perpendiculars to lines
AB and CD from a point on f is less than from a point on f 0 . Consequently, AB must be
parallel to CD. Proceeding in a similar way using another chord c0 parallel to c, it follows
also that AD must be parallel to BC , whence the gure must be a parallelogram.
It is to be noted that a non-convex quadrilateral cannot have the given property.
Also as a rider, show that if the sum of the six distances from any point within a hexahedron
is constant, the hexahedron must be a parallelepiped.

5. [1985: 239] 1984 Bulgarian Mathematical Olympiad.

Let 0  xi  1 and xi + yi = 1, for i = 1; 2; : : : ; n. Prove that

(1 , x x


xn)m + (1 , ym)(1 , ym)


(1 , ynm )  1
for all positive integers m and n.
Comment by Murray S. Klamkin, University of Alberta.
In my editorial note to Problem 68-1 (SIAM Review 11(1969) 402{406), I gave the
more general inequality
0 m 1 m
n
n !
Y
@1 , Y pij A + Y 1 , Y qij > 1
(1)
1

i=1

j =1

j =1

i=1

where pij + qij = 1, 0 < pij < 1, and m, n are positive integers greater than 1. (The cases
m; n = 1 are trivial.) Just let pij = xj for all i and interchange m and n to get the given
inequality. Other particularly nice special cases of the above inequality are
 1 m  1 n
1, n + 1, m >1
2
2
and
1 + 1 < 1:
2m 2 =m
Further extensions of (1) have been given by Joel Brenner.
1

39

2. [1985: 239] 1983 Annual Greek High School Competition.

If a and b are given nonparallel vectors, solve for x in the equation

a + xa
b = b + a
b :
jajja + xbj jbjja + bj
2

Solution by Murray S. Klamkin, University of Alberta.

One can solve by squaring out and solving the rather messy quadratic in x. However,
it is easier to proceed geometrically. Referring to the gure, the given equation requires
that 6 SPQ = 6 PRQ (= , say). Thus
PQS 
RQP .

a+b

aa
*


@ a

@ aaa


aa
@
aa

@
aa 
@

@

@
R
@

xb

Thus, putting a = jaj and b = jbj, xb=a = a=b or x = a =b .

Also, x = ,x0 can be negative as in the following gure.
2

a+b

*



B@

B@

B @


B
@

B
@

@
0 B

B
@
R
@
B

BBN 0

a,xb


Q

,x b
S
By the law of sines, a= sin( , ) = x0b= sin , and a= sin  = b= sin( + ). Hence,
sin( + ) , sin( , ) = b sin  , a sin0 
a
xb
or 2 cos  = b=a , a=x0b. Finally,
x = ,x0 = b(b ,,2aa cos ) = b +,2aa
b :
2

40

3. [1985: 304] Proposed by Canada.

Determine the maximum value of

sin  + sin  +


+ sin n ;

2

where  +  +


+ n =  and all i  0.

Solution by Edward T.H. Wang, Wilfrid Laurier University, Waterloo, Ontario.
Let f (n) denote the maximum value. Then obviously f (1) = 0 and f (2) = 2, the
latter attained if and only if  =  = =2. When n = 3, it is well known that
sin  + sin  + sin   49
with equality just when  =  =  = =3. (See O. Bottema et al, Geometric Inequalities,
item 2.3 on p. 18 or the equivalent inequality in item 2.23 on p. 25.) Thus f (3) = 9=4.
We show that f (n) = 9=4 for all n  3 by proving the following theorem.
Theorem: Let i  0 for all i = 1; 2; : : : ; n be such that Pni i =  with n  3. Then
sin  +sin  +


+sin n  9=4 with equality holding if and only if  =  =  = =3
and i = 0 for all i = 4; 5; : : : ; n, where we have, without loss of generality, renumbered
the indices so that       : : :  n .
We rst give a simple lemma.
Lemma: If A  0 and B  0 are such that A+B  =2, then sin A+sin B  sin (A+B)
with equality if and only if A = 0 or B = 0 or A + B = =2.
Proof : sin (A + B ) , (sin A + sin B )
= sin A cos B + 2 sinA sinB cosA cosB + cos A sin B , sin A , sin B
= 2 sinA sinB cosA cosB , sin A(1 , cos B ) , sin B (1 , cos A)
= 2 sinA sinB (cosA cosB , sinA sinB )
= 2 sinA sinB cos(A + B )  0: 2
1

=1

To prove the theorem, we use induction on n. The case n = 3 is the classical

resultPmentioned above. Suppose the theorem holds for some n  3 and suppose i  0
with ni i =  andP    : : :  n . Let i = i for i = 1; 2; : : : ; n , 1 and
n = n + n . Then ni i P=  and n  =2, for otherwise n + n > =2 together
with n  3 would imply that ni i > , a contradiction. Hence by the lemma and the
induction hypothesis we obtain
nX
nX
,
n
X
sin i = sin i + sin n + sin n  sin i  94 :
i
i
i
+1
=1

+1

=1

+1

=1

+1

+1

+1
=1

+1

=1

=1

If equality holds it must hold in the lemma. This implies that either n = 0 or
n + n = =2. However, if n + n = =2, then  +   =2 and since Pni i = ,
we obtain  +  = =2 and n = 4. Since  P     , it follows immediately
that i = =4, i = 1; 2; 3; 4, from which we obtain i sin i = 2, a contradiction. Thus
+1

+1

2
4
=1

3
2

+1
+1
=1

41

n = 0 which implies i = i for all i = 1; 2; : : : ; n. The induction hypothesis then yields

 =  =  = =3 and i = 0 for i = 4; : : : ; n. On the other hand, the suciency of the
equality condition is obvious. This completes the proof.
4. [1985:304] Proposed by Canada.
Prove that
x
+ x
+


+ xn,
+ xn  n , 1;
x +x x x +x x
xn, + xnx xn + x x
where all xi > 0.
Solution by Edward T.H. Wang, Wilfrid Laurier University, Waterloo, Ontario.
Let Sn denote the cyclic sum. Clearly
S = x +x x x + x +x x x = 1:
We prove by induction that Sn < n , 1 for all n  3. Consider the case n = 3. Since the
sum is cyclic and since the expression is unchanged when x and x are interchanged, we
may assume that x  x  x . Then
S = x +x x x + x +x x x + x +x x x < x +x x x + x +x x x + 1 = 2:
Now suppose Sn < n , 1 for some n  3 and consider Sn for n + 1 positive numbers
x ; x ; : : : ; xn . Without loss of generality, we may assume that xn = maxfxi : i =
1; 2; : : : ; n + 1g. Note that
Sn = Sn + x x+n,x x + x +xxn x + x xn+ x x , x xn+,x x , x +xnx x :
n n
n
n
n,
n
n,
n
n
Since
xn,
xn
xn ; and xn
xn,

,

xn, + xn xn
xn, + xn x xn + xn x xn + x x
xn + x x < 1;
we conclude that Sn < Sn + 1 < n, completing the induction.
Remark. If we set xi = ti for i = 1; 2; : : : ; n , 1, and xn = t n , then
t +


+ t n,
t n,
tn
Sn = t t+ t + t +
+
+
t
t n, + t n, t n, + t n
t n+t
,! n , 1 as t ,! 0 :
That is, though the bound n , 1 can not be attained for n > 2, it is nonetheless sharp.
+1

2
1

2
2

2
1

2
2

2
1

2
2

2
1

2
2

2
2

2
1

2
1

2
2

2
3

2
3

2
1

2
1

2
2

2
2

+1

+1

+1

+1

+1

+1

+1

+1

+1

+1

+1

+1

+1

2 +1

This completes the \archive" material for 1985 and the space available this number.
Contest season is upon us. Send me your contests and solutions!

42

BOOK REVIEW
30th International Mathematical Olympiad, Braunschweig, 1989 - Problems and
Results, edited by Hanns-Heinrich Langmann. K.H. Bock, 5340 Bad Honnef, Germany,
1990. ISBN 3-87066-213-1. 79 pp., softcover. Reviewed by Richard Nowakowski, Dalhousie
University.
This report on the 1989 IMO rst lists the rules and regulations governing the
competition. The program of events comes next followed by the competition problems
and solutions. All 109 proposed problems are listed next with solutions given to the 32
that were shortlisted by the jury. (These 32 problems have appeared in Crux in [1989:
196{197, 225{226, 260{262].) The contestants' scores and awards are given last. The book
is an excellent source of problems, but it would have been nice to see the solutions given
to more of the dicult problems which were not shortlisted. For example, I have yet to
see a good proof (one reasonably explained and under four pages long) of the following
proposed question:
HEL 2. In a triangle ABC for which 6(a + b + c)r2 = abc holds and where r denotes
the inradius of ABC , we consider a point M of its inscribed circle and projections D; E; F
of M on the sides BC; AC; AB , respectively. Let S and S1 denote the areas of the triangles
ABC and DEF , respectively. Find the maximum and minimum values of the quotient
S=S1.

CALL FOR PAPERS { ICME

There will be two 90{minute sessions at the ICME in Quebec City (August 1992)
on mathematical competitions. Papers are solicited on this topic which are of general
interest to the mathematics education community.
Enquiries and proposals for papers should be sent to
Dr. E.J. Barbeau
Department of Mathematics
University of Toronto
Toronto, Ontario M5S 1A1
Canada
email: barbeau@math.toronto.edu
fax: (416)978{4107
phone: (416)978{7200
Please send notice of your desire to present a paper no later than May 31, 1991.

43

PROBLEMS
Problem proposals and solutions should be sent to B. Sands, Department of Mathematics and Statistics, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada T2N 1N4. Proposals should, whenever possible, be accompanied by a solution, references, and other insights
which are likely to be of help to the editor. An asterisk (*) after a number indicates a
problem submitted without a solution.
Original problems are particularly sought. But other interesting problems may also
be acceptable provided they are not too well known and references are given as to their
provenance. Ordinarily, if the originator of a problem can be located, it should not be
submitted by somebody else without permission.
To facilitate their consideration, your solutions, typewritten or neatly handwritten
on signed, separate sheets, should preferably be mailed to the editor before September 1,
1991, although solutions received after that date will also be considered until the time when
a solution is published.

1611. Proposed by George Tsintsifas, Thessaloniki, Greece.

Let ABC be a triangle with angles A; B; C (measured in radians), sides a; b; c, and

semiperimeter s. Prove that
X c,a 9
X
(ii ) b +aA
 :
(i ) b + Ac , a  6s ;

1612. Proposed by Walther Janous, Ursulinengymnasium, Innsbruck, Austria.

Let x; y; z be positive real numbers. Show that

Xy ,x
z + x  0;
where the sum is cyclic over x; y; z , and determine when equality holds.
1613. Proposed by Murray S. Klamkin, University of Alberta.
Prove that
 sin x  p  tan x p
+ x
2
x
for p  0 and 0 < x < =2. (The case p = 1 is problem E3306, American Math. Monthly,
solution in March 1991, pp. 264{267.)
1614. Proposed by Toshio Seimiya,Kawasaki, Japan.
Let D and E be points on side BC of a triangle ABC . Draw lines through D, E
parallel to AC; AB respectively, meeting AB and AC at F and G. Let P and Q be the
intersections of line FG with the circumcircle of
ABC . Prove that D; E; P and Q are
concyclic.
2

44

1615.

Proposed by Clark Kimberling, University of Evansville, Evansville,

Indiana.
Consider the following array:
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10



2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11



4 2 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12



6 2 7 4 8 9 10 11 12 13



8 7 9 2 10 6 11 12 13 14



6 2 11 9 12 7 13 8 14 15



... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ...
For example, to produce row 5 from row 4, write down, in order: the 1st number to the
right of 4, the 1st number to the left of 4, the 2nd to the right of 4, the 2nd to the left of
4, the 3rd to the right of 4, the 3rd to the left of 4, and then the 4th, 5th, : : : numbers to
the right of 4.
Notice that a number will be expelled from a row if and only if it is the diagonal
element in the previous row (the boxed numbers in the array), and once missing it of course
never reappears.
(a) Is 2 eventually expelled?
(b) Is every positive integer eventually expelled?
1616. Proposed by D.J. Smeenk, Zaltbommel, The Netherlands.
In triangle ABC , angles  and are acute, D lies on AC so that BD ? AC , and
E and F lie on BC so that AE and AF are the interior and exterior bisectors of 6 BAC .
Suppose that BC is the exterior bisector of 6 ABD. Show that AE = AF .
1617. Proposed by Stanley Rabinowitz, Westford, Massachusetts.
If p is a prime and a and k are positive integers such that pk j(a , 1), then prove
that
pn+k j(apn , 1)
for all positive integers n.
1618. Proposed by Jordan Tabov, Soa, Bulgaria. (Dedicated to Dan Pedoe on
the occasion of his 80th birthday.)
The sides of a given angle  intersect a given circle O(r) in four points. Four circles
Ok (rk ), k = 1; 2; 3; 4, are inscribed in  so that O1(r1 ) and O4(r4 ) touch O(r) externally,
and O2(r2 ) and O3(r3 ) touch O(r) internally. Prove that r1 r4 = r2r3 . (This is more general
than problem 1.8.9, page 20, of Japanese Temple Geometry Problems by H. Fukagawa and
D. Pedoe.)
1619. Proposed by Hui-Hua Wan and Ji Chen, Ningbo University, Zhejiang,
China.
Let P be an interior point of a triangle ABC and let R1; R2; R3 be the distances
from P to the vertices A; B; C , respectively. Prove that, for 0 < k < 1,
R1k + R2k + R3k < (1 + 2 k,1 1 )1,k (ak + bk + ck ):

45

1620. Proposed by Ilia Blaskov, Technical University, Gabrovo, Bulgaria.

Find a nite set S of (at least two) points in the plane such that the perpendicular
bisector of the segment joining any two points in S passes through exactly two points of
S.

SOLUTIONS

No problem is ever permanently closed. The editor will always be pleased to consider
for publication new solutions or new insights on past problems.
1390. [1988: 269; 1990: 27] Proposed by H. Fukagawa, Aichi, Japan.
A; B; C are points on a circle , such that CM is the perpendicular bisector of AB
[where M lies on AB ]. P is a point on CM and AP meets , again at D. As P varies over
segment CM , nd the largest radius of the inscribed circle tangent to segments PD, PB ,
and arc DB of ,, in terms of the length of CM .
II. Solution by D.J. Smeenk, Zaltbommel, The Netherlands.
Let (O; R) = , be the circumcircle of

ABC , and (Q; ) the given inscribed circle.
We denote

' = 6 PAB = 6 PBA = 6 BPQ = 6 SPQ;

S being the projection of Q to PD. Let
MA = MB = x, OM = d, PM = m. C 0
is the second intersection point of CP and
,.
In right triangle OPQ we have
PQ = sin ' ; OP = m , d ; OQ = R , 
and so
 + (m , d) = (R , ) ;
sin '
or
 cot ' + 2R , R + (m , d) = 0:
Now
x = R ,d ;
cot ' = m
m
2

(1)

and (1) becomes

 (R , d ) + 2Rm  , m [R , (m , d) ] = 0:
2

(2)

46
It is clear that R > m , d, so R , (m , d) > 0, and we conclude that (2) has two dierent
roots  > 0 and  < 0. D being the discriminant of (2) we have
D = R m + m (R , d )[R , (m , d) ]
4
= m (R , 2R d + d + 2R dm , 2d m + d m)
= m (R , d + dm) :
2

So

2 2

(R , d + dm)
 = ,Rm + m
R ,d
m
(
R
,
d
) , m (R , d)
=
R ,d
= m(R R+ +d)d, m = m(RR++d d, m) ;
2

and thus

1 =
R+d
1
= 1+
= 1 + 1 ;
(3)
 m(R + d , m) m R + d , m PM PC
the \harmonic mean" property given on [1990: 27], with a maximum for  when PM =
PC . Also
(R , d + dm)
 = ,Rm , m
R ,d
= ,m(R ,Rd ),,dm (R + d)
= ,m(R , d) , m = ,m(R , d + m) ;
R,d
R,d
so
1 =
1
1 = 1 , 1 :
,
(4)
 R , d + m m PC 0 PM
From (3) and (4) follows
1+1 = 1 + 1 :
  PC 0 PC
1

 has a geometrical meaning: , >

0 is the radius of the circle touching the productions of AP and PB , and touching , externally. In the gure, (Q0 ; 0) is this circle.
We have
0 + (m , d) = (R + 0)
sin '
or (as above)
2

47

0 (R , d ) , 2Rm 0 , m [R , (m , d) ] = 0:
(5)
Comparing (2) and (5) we conclude: if (2) has the roots  and  , then (5) has the roots
, and , :
III. Solution by Albert W. Walker, Toronto, Ontario.
We use the following result, due to Poncelet (e.g., [2]):
THEOREM. Let points A; B; C; D lie on one circle O of a coaxial family of circles,
and suppose that a second circle I of the family touches lines AB and CD. Then there
are circles J and K of the family, J touching AC and BD, and K touching AD and BC .
Moreover the six contact points of I; J; K with these lines are collinear.
2
[Editor's note: expert colleague Chris Fisher, University of Regina, also suggests the reference [1].]
In the present problem we draw the
parallel to AB through D, letting it meet
CM at M 0 and , again at D0, and let I (with
centre I ) be the circle tangent to these parallels and internally tangent to , at a point
L in the minor arc BD. The coaxial family
containing , and I is thus the family of all
circles mutually tangent at L. By the above
theorem of Poncelet, the incircle (Q; ) tangent to AD, BD0 , and minor arc BD of ,
will be tangent to , at L. A fourth circle,
exterior to ,, will be tangent to , at L and
also to AD0 and BD.
Let E be the midpoint of AD, so that OE ? AD and EI ? MM 0, and EI meets
MM 0 at its midpoint N . Let CC 0 be a diameter of ,. Put AP = a; CP = c; MP = m.
Then C 0M + m = C 0P = R + OP , or
2

We have
so that
or
Also

C 0M , OP = R , m:

(1)

(AM ) = CM
C 0M

(2)

ON = ON
OE =  AM  = CM
C 0M ;
OP OE OP
AP
a

(3)

a ON = OP
CM
C 0M:

(4)

ON = OI = R , IL = R , MN ;
OP OQ R , QL
R,

48
and thus from (3),

R , MN = CM
C 0M :
(5)
R,
a
Next R + ON = C 0N = C 0M + MN , and so
R , MN = C 0M , ON:
(6)
Now we have from (5),(6),(4),(2) and (1),
CM
C 0M
(R , ) = a (R , MN ) = a (C 0M , ON )
= C 0M (a , OP
CM ) = C 0M (m + (AM ) , OP
CM )
= C 0M (m + CM (C 0M , OP )) = C 0M (R
CM , (CM , m)m)
= C 0M (R
CM , cm):
Thus CM (R , ) = R
CM , cm, or
cm = cm :
 = CM
c+m
Therefore the diameter 2 of the incircle is the harmonic mean of CP and MP (and,
incidentally, also of C 0P and M 0 P ). The result then follows as before.
References:
[1] Marcel Berger, Geometry II (English translation), Springer, Berlin, 1987, Prop. 16.6.4
and Fig. 16.6.4(2), pp. 203 and 204.
[2] H.G. Forder, Higher Course Geometry, 1931/49, p. 224.
Editor's note. Walker also observes that, letting CQ and AMB meet at S , and CL and
PQ meet at T , one gets MS = PT = PA, and therefore OL; CS; PT concur (at Q). He
uses this approach to give a second solution, not using the Poncelet theorem.
A further solution has been received from TOSHIO SEIMIYA, Kawasaki, Japan.
Seimiya rst establishes the following lemma. ABC is a triangle with incenter I and
circumcircle , . Let D be a point on side BC . Let , be an inscribed circle tangent to the
segments AD and DC , at E and F respectively, and to the arc AC of , . Then E ,F and
I are collinear. Seimiya uses this lemma to prove the present problem, as well as to give
another proof of Crux 1260 [1988: 237; 1989: 51]. He also points out that the harmonic
mean relationship given above occurs as problem 1.2.7, p. 5 of H. Fukagawa and D. Pedoe,
Japanese Temple Geometry Problems (reviewed on [1990: 203]).
2

1430. [1989: 74; 1990: 158] Proposed by Mihaly Bencze, Brasov, Romania.

AD; BE; CF are (not necessarily concurrent) cevians in triangle ABC , intersecting
the circumcircle of
ABC in the points P; Q; R. Prove that
AD + BE + CF  9:
DP EQ FR
When does equality hold?

49
II. Solution by Ji Chen, Ningbo University, China.
The result may be sharpened to
AD + BE + CF  4 , 2r  :
DP EQ FR
R
From the inequality (given in the published solution of Seimiya [1990: 159])
!
AD + BE + CF  X (b + c) , 1 = X a
X b + c , a ;
DP EQ FR
a
a
where the sums are cyclic over a; b; c, and the fact that
Y b + c , a P a(b + c , a)
2
r
4, R =4,
;
Qa
a =
it is enough to show that
X

X X
a
b c (b + c , a)  a(b + c , a) :
Putting
x = b + c , a; y = c + a , b; z = a + b , c;
this becomes
X X  x + y   x + z  X  y + z 
 x 2
;
x
x 2
2
or
X X
X
x
x(x + y) (x + z ) , 4( x (y + z ))  0;
(1)
where the sums are cyclic over x; y; z . The left side of (1) becomes
X
X
X
X
x + 3 (x y + x z ) , (x y + x z ) , 6 x y
X
+2 (x y z + x z y) , 9x y z
hX
i hX
X
X i
=
x , (x y + x z ) + 3x y z + 3 (x y + x z ) , 2 y z
hX
i
+2 (x y z + x z y) , 6x y z
P(y + z , x ) (y , z ) + 2 P y z (y , z )
=
2XP x
X
+3 yz (y , z ) + 2 x yz (y , z )
 0;
so (1) follows.
Editor's note. Murray Klamkin has obligingly supplied the editor with the following
simpler proof of inequality (1). By Cauchy's inequality,
X

X X
x
x(x + y) (x + z )  x(x + y)(x + z ) ;
2

2 2

2 2

2 2

3 3

3 2

4 2

2 2

2 2

3 2

2 2

3 3

2 2

2 2

2 2

50
so it suces to prove the stronger inequality
X
X
x(x + y)(x + z )  2 x (y + z );
2

which simplies to

x(x , y)(x , z )  0:

(2)

But assuming without loss of generality that x  y  z , (2) follows from

x(x , y)(x , z )  y(x , y)(y , z )

z (z , x)(z , y)  0.

and

(2) is the special case n = 1 of Schur's inequality

X n
x (x , y)(x , z )  0
which can be established the same way (see pp. 49{50 of M.S. Klamkin, International
Mathematical Olympiads 1979{1985, M.A.A., 1986).

1486. [1989: 269] Proposed by Jordi Dou, Barcelona, Spain.

Given three triangles T ; T ; T and three points P ; P ; P , construct points X ; X ,

X such that the triangles X X P ; X X P ; X X P are directly similar to T ; T ; T ,
respectively.
1

2
3

Solution by the proposer.

Denote by Si the dilative rotation with centre Pi , angle i = 6 AiCi Bi (in the sense
CiAi to Ci Bi ), and ratio ri = CiBi =CiAi, for i = 1; 2; 3. For each point X , the triangle
XSi (X )Pi will be similar to Ai Bi Ci. Let S = S1S2 S3, i.e. S (X ) = S3(S2 (S1(X ))). S is a
dilative rotation of angle = 1 + 2 + 3, ratio r = r1r2 r3 and with xed point O, say.
If we put X2 = O; S1(X2) = X3 and S2(X3 ) = X1, then S3(X1 ) = S (X2 ) = X2 . Thus the
problem reduces to constructing the xed point of S and this point will be X2. X3 and X1
will then be S1(X2 ) and S3,1(X2) respectively. If 6= 0 or 360, or r 6= 1, the problem has
a unique solution. [Editor's note. Dou ended with a construction of the required points.
A construction of the unique xed point given three noncollinear points and their images
under a similarity can be found in references such as Coxeter's Introduction to Geometry,
page 73.]

14920. [1989:
297] Proposed by George Tsintsifas, Thessaloniki, Greece.
0 0
0

Let A B C be a triangle inscribed in a triangle ABC , so that A 2 BC; B 0 2

CA; C 0 2 AB . Suppose also that BA0 = CB 0 = AC 0:
(a) If either the centroids G; G0 or the circumcenters O; O0 of the triangles coincide,
prove that
ABC is equilateral.

51
(b) If either the incenters I; I 0 or the orthocenters H; H 0 of the triangles coincide,
characterize
ABC .
I. Solution to part (a) by Murray S. Klamkin, University of Alberta.
Let A, B, C denote vectors from a common origin to the respective vertices A, B ,
C . It then follows that
 


0
A = B + a (C , B) = a C + 1 , a B
and similarly
 
 


0
0
B = b A + 1 , b C; C = c B + 1 , c A;
where a,b,c are the respective sides of ABC and  is a nonzero constant.
For the case G = G0 , we choose the origin to be the centroid of
ABC so that
A + B + C = 0 and also
  
     
0
0
0
0 = A + B + C = b , c + 1 A + c , a + 1 B + a , b + 1 C:
Thus










0 = 1b , 1c A + 1c , a1 B + a1 , 1b C = 2b , 1c , 1a A + 1b + 1c , a2 B;
and so
2 , 1 , 1 = 1 + 1 , 2 = 0;
b c a b c a
which implies a = b = c.
For the case O = O0, we choose the origin to be the circumcenter of
ABC so that
jAj = jBj = jCj = R, the circumradius. Then also jA0j = jB0j = jC0j = R0 , or
 
 


0
R = a jCj + 1 , a jBj + 2
a 1 , a B
C


=  R + 1 ,  R + 2(a , ) R cos 2A
a
a!
a
= 2 , 2 + 1 R + 2(a , ) R , 4(a , )R sin A
a
a
a
a
= R , (a , ); etc.;
2

or

(a , ) = R , R0 = (b , ) = (c , ):
2

Hence a = b = c.
II. Solution to part (a) by the proposer.
It is known (Crux 1464 [1990: 282]) that G = G0 if and only if

52

BA0 = CB 0 = AC 0 ;
A
A0C B 0 A C 0B

B@

B@
therefore according to our assumption we have


CH
B @
0
0
0
A C = B A = C B , and hence that
ABC is

S H B
@

S HBHH @
equilateral.


S B HH@
If O = O0, we easily nd that the triangles


S B
H@H B
@
SB
OA0B , OB 0 C , OC 0A are congruent, so 6 OBA0 =




S
B

@
O
=
O

P
6 OCB 0 . But also 6 OBA0 = 6 OCA0, so CO bisects


 PP

PP @


6 C . Similarly we nd that O = I , hence
ABC


PP@


PP





@C
B
is equilateral.
A
Part (a) also solved by WALTHER JANOUS, Ursulinengymnasium, Innsbruck,
0

Austria; and by D.J. SMEENK, Zaltbommel, The Netherlands.

Part (b) remains unsolved, as did part (c) of the proposer's earlier problem Crux
1464 [1990: 282]; in fact Janous comments that in trying (b) he \got stuck in quite awkward
and disgusting expressions", the same predicament that befell him in Crux 1464 ! Looks
like these problems need a new idea from someone.

1493. [1989: 297] Proposed by Toshio Seimiya, Kawasaki, Japan.

Two squares ABDE and ACFG are described on AB and AC outside the triangle
ABC . P and Q are on line EG such that BP and CQ are perpendicular to BC . Prove
that
BP + CQ  BC + EG:
When does equality hold?
A
I. Solution by Jordi Dou, Barcelona, Spain.
Q


Q

Let M , N , O be the midpoints of BC ,
Q

E

h
P
0
Q
h
h
Q
h
PQ, EG, respectively. Let A be symmetN
h
Q

Q
hhh
Ohh

Q
Q
hh h
Q
ric to A with respect to O. We have that

Q
h
h
Q
Q
G


Q
B

AE is equal and perpendicular to BA, and
Q A 

B
0
Q
h
Q
h
analogously EA (= AG) to AC . Therefore
L

 B

B
AA0 = BC , AA0 ? BC and OE = MA,


B
D
OE ? MA. Let L on MN be such that QQ

 B
B
B


Q
ALkOE . Then AO = LN , and ML > MA
B
B
Q
F



Q

B
because MA is perpendicular to AL. Hence



Q
B 
Q
Q


MN = LN + ML  AO + MA, and
B
C
M
0

BP + CQ = 2MN  2(AO + MA) = 2(BM + OE ) = BC + EG:

Equality occurs if and only if MN = MA + AO, i.e., MN coincides with MO, i.e.,
AB = AC .

53
Note. Here is a nice property of triangles
between two squares with a common vertex:
The median of one triangle is perpendicular
to the base of the other.
The proof is: a rotation of 90 with centre O moves
ABFC onto DGEA, consequently AM ? DE and
AN ? BC . This property is a \leitmotif" in the
above solution and also in my solution of Crux
1496.
Q
"
II. Solution par C. Festraets-Hamoir, Brussels, Belgium.
"
"
Construisons, sur BC et du m^eme c^ote que
G"
H
"
R"
 HH
A, le triangle rectangle isocele BOC . La similitude
p
"
HH
H "


 de centre B , d'angle 45 et de rapport 2=2
"T
HH

"


HF
applique E sur A et O sur M . La similitude

de
P
"
T

p
E"




XXX

T
centre C , d'angle 45 et de rapport 2 applique A
c
XX



X
TO


sur G et M sur O.    est
donc
une rotation  cc
X,
@
p
p
c


,



AH
@
d'angle 90 (le rapport est 2
2=2 = 1) qui D
, HH @


c
applique E sur G et dont le point xe est O. EOG c
,
HH @



,
HH
c
est ainsi un triangle rectangle isocele.
@

c
, 
H

@
B
C
M
M etant le milieu de BC ,
1

45

BP + CQ = 2MR = 2MO + 2OR = BC + 2OR  BC + 2OH = BC + EG:

L'egalite a lieu si et seulement si OR = OH , c'est-a-dire EG k BC , le triangle ABC est
alors isocele (AB = AC ).
Also solved by FRANCISCO BELLOT ROSADO, I. B. Emilio Ferrari, and MARIA
 LOPEZ

ASCENSION
CHAMORRO, I. B. Leopoldo Cano, Valladolid, Spain; L. J. HUT,
Groningen,The Netherlands; WALTHER JANOUS, Ursulinengymnasium, Innsbruck, Austria: MARCIN E. KUCZMA, Warszawa, Poland; KEE-WAI LAU, Hong Kong; and the
proposer.
The solutions of Kuczma and the proposer were very similar to solution I.

1494. [1989: 298] Proposed by Murray S. Klamkin, University of Alberta.

Three numbers x; y; z are chosen independently at random and uniformly in [0,1].

What is the probability that x; y; z can be the lengths of the sides of a triangle whose
altitudes are also the sides of some triangle?
Solution by P. Penning, Delft, The Netherlands.
The probability is equal to the volume in x; y; z {space where triangles meeting the
constraint can be found. Since the size of the triangle cannot play a part, the boundaries
of the volume must be straight lines passing through (0; 0; 0).

54
First we impose another constraint,

x  y  z;
(1)
thereby reducing the relevant volume by a factor of 3! = 6. These numbers form a triangle
if
x  z , y:
(2)
The altitudes are proportional to 1=x  1=y  1=z (the area of the triangle is the proportionality factor), and they form a triangle if 1=x  1=y + 1=z , i.e.
x  y yz
(3)
+ z:
y
6
The region where conditions (1){(3) are met is a
@ x 1+y y ,
,
,
,
,
,
,
,
,
,
,
,
pyramid, with top at (0; 0; 0) and base in the plane
,
,
,
,
,
@
,
,
,,
,
,
,
z = 1. (The base is shown in the gure.) With
,
,
,
@ ,,
,
,
,
,
,
,
integral calculus the area is easily determined to p , =
@,
,
,
,
,
,
@,
,
be
p
@
,
p
2
,
5
@
,
:
ln( 5 , 1) +
,y
@x
,
4
@
,
The probability is then equal to
@ ,
x
1/2

1) 2
1/2

=1

6(volume of pyramid) = 2(area

p of base) p
= 2 ln( 5 , 1) + 1 , 5=2
 0:3058:

If only the sides have to form a triangle, then the probability is 0.5 .
Also solved by RICHARD I. HESS, Rancho Palos Verdes, California; MARCIN
E. KUCZMA, Warszawa, Poland; and the proposer. A solution similar to Penning's, but
with a trivial error at the end, was also sent in by C. FESTRAETS-HAMOIR, Brussels,
Belgium.

1495. [1989: 298] Proposed by Walther Janous, Ursulinengymnasium, Innsbruck,

Austria.
(a) Show that there exist innitely many positive integer solutions to

!
!
a
b
c = 2 , 2 :
(b) If k > 2 is an integer, are there innitely many solutions in positive integers to
!
!
a
b
ck = k , k ?
2

55
I. Solution to part (a) by Hayo Ahlburg, Benidorm, Spain.
The equation becomes a , a , b + b = 2c or
2

(a + b , 1)(a , b) = 2c :
2

Introducing D = a , b, we nd D + (2b , 1)D = 2c , so

2

b = cD , D 2, 1 ; a = b + D = cD + D 2+ 1 :
2

To make a and b integers, we have two possibilities.

Case (i): c2 = kD. Then

a = k + D 2+ 1 ; b = k , D 2, 1 ;

where D is odd and k is any integer which makes kD a square. For example (D = 1):

a = c + 1 ; b = c ; c arbitrary:
2

(1)

Case (ii): c2 = mD + D=2. Here D = 22n+1d with d odd, and m is any number
which makes (2m + 1)d a square. In this case we have

c = (2m + 1)2 nd ; a = m + 1 + 2 nd ; b = m + 1 , 2 nd:

2

For example (D = 2):

a = c 2+ 3 ; b = c 2, 1 ; c arbitrary odd:
2

(2)

II. Partial solution to part (b) by Kenneth M. Wilke, Topeka, Kansas.

[Wilke rst solved part (a)| Ed
 .] b
a
Consider k = 3. Then c = , becomes
3

6c = (a , 1) , (a , 1) , [(b , 1) , (b , 1)]
= (a , b)(a + ab + b , 3(a + b) + 2):
3

Taking a = b + 2, this becomes 6c = 2
3b , whence we can take

3

c = t ; b = t ; a = t + 2 (t arbitrary)
2

to produce an innite number of solutions. These are not all the solutions when k = 3.
Others include (a; b; c) = (9; 6; 4), (12; 4; 6) and (25; 19; 11).
Also solved (both parts) by H. L. ABBOTT, University of Alberta; HANS
ENGELHAUPT, Franz-Ludwig-Gymnasium, Bamberg, Germany; and RICHARD K. GUY,

56
University of Calgary. Part (a) only was solved by MATHEW ENGLANDER, Toronto,
Ontario; RICHARD A. GIBBS, Fort Lewis College, Durango, Colorado; RICHARD I.
HESS, Rancho Palos Verdes, California; FRIEND H. KIERSTEAD JR., Cuyahoga Falls,
Ohio; MURRAY S. KLAMKIN, University of Alberta; CHRIS WILDHAGEN, Breda, The
Netherlands; and the proposer.
The remarkable solution II was also found by Engelhaupt and by Guy. Abbott's
solution to part (b) was a recursively dened innite sequence of solutions, the rst being
the trivial
!
!
3
2
3
1 =
, 3 ;
3
and the second being the already formidable

!
!
30527
14328
16199 =
, 3 !
3
3

These all have the additional property that a = b + c. Guy has since found other solutions
with this property, for instance

!
!
50
24
26 =
, 3 :
3
3

Example (1) of case (i) in Ahlburg's solution was also found by Engelhaupt, Englander and Gibbs, while example (2) of case (ii) was again given by Engelhaupt. Another
special case of Ahlburg's case (i), namely k = D(odd), was found by Hess, Kierstead and
Klamkin. This gives the nice solution

a = 3b , 1 ; c = 2b , 1 ; b arbitrary:
No solutions for k > 3 were sent in. However, Guy has come up with the single
(and singular!) example
!
!
18
12
5
6 = 5 , 5
for k = 5. Is it part of some innite family?

1496. [1989: 298] Proposed by H. Fukagawa, Aichi, Japan.

There are four squares ABCD,

DEFG, AEIJ , BJKL as shown in the gure. Show that L; C; G are collinear if and
only if 2AD = AE .

57
I. Solution by Jordi Dou, Barcelona, Spain.
Let M , N , O be the midpoints
AI
of AE , AJ , CL, respectively. B 0 is



A
symmetric to B with respect to O , and

A
J 
O is the centre of ABCD.
A
D
A
Triangle CBB 0 is obtained from K
A
DA

A
triangle BAJ by a rotation of 90 about D
DA
AA E
N
D
D A


centre O. Therefore BN ? CL. [Edi- D
,
@

D A
 , @
M
tor's note: see also Dou's comment at D

D A
,
@


,
D
AA
the end of his solution to Crux 1493, DD

@
D ,@
,
F
this issue!] Analogously, DM ? CG. If D
@
B
D,
@
,
@
D

D
O
@
,@
,
AE = 2AD then AB = AN = AM = D


,

@,
@



H
,
AD and 6 NAM = 6 BAD (= 90), so L
C HH @
 O1
,

HH@
BN is parallel to DM , and therefore
,
B
H@
H
L, C , G are collinear. It is clear that if
@
H,G
AE 6= 2AD, then DM is not parallel to BN and L, C , G are not aligned.
II. Solution by Marcin,!E. Kuczma,
Warszawa, Poland.
,!
Consider the vectors AD = u, AE = v. Let h denote rotation by 90 anticlockwise.
Since h is a linear map,
1

,!

,!

,!

,!

,!

,!

CL = CB + BL = ,u + h(BJ ) = ,u + h(AJ ) , h(AB ) = ,u , v , u = ,2u , v

and
Therefore

,!

,!

,!

,!

,!

h(CG) = h(CD) + h(DG) = DA + DE = ,u , u + v = v , 2u:

,! ,!

,!

,!

L; C; G are in line () CGkCL () CL ? h(CG)

() (2u + v)(2u , v) = 0
() jvj = 2juj:
Also solved by HANS ENGELHAUPT, Franz-Ludwig-Gymnasium, Bamberg,
Germany; C. FESTRAETS-HAMOIR, Brussels, Belgium; L. J. HUT, Groningen, The
Netherlands; WALTHER JANOUS, Ursulinengymnasium, Innsbruck, Austria; MARCIN
E. KUCZMA, Warszawa, Poland (a second solution); KEE-WAI LAU, Hong Kong;
P. PENNING, Delft, The Netherlands; D.J. SMEENK, Zaltbommel, The Netherlands;
and the proposer. One incorrect solution was sent in.
The above solutions are related, but the dierent approaches are interesting.
The problem was taken from a lost sangaku dated 1826, and appears as problem
4.21, page 47, of Fukagawa and Pedoe's Japanese Temple Geometry Problems. Also given
there is the relationship between the sides of the four squares.

58

1497. [1989: 298] Proposed by Ray Killgrove and Robert Sternfeld, Indiana State

University, Terre Haute.

A translate g of a function f is a function g(x) = f (x + a) for some constant a.
Suppose that one translate of a function f : R ! R is odd and another translate is even.
Show that f is periodic. Is the converse true?
Solution by the St. Olaf Problem Solving Group, St. Olaf College, Northeld,
Minnesota.
We know that there exist a and b such that for every x, f (x + a) = f (,x + a) and
f (x + b) = ,f (,x + b). This implies that f (2a + x) = f (,x) and f (2b + x) = ,f (,x).
Thus,

f (x + 4(a , b)) = f (2a + (x + 2a , 4b)) = f (4b , x , 2a)

= ,f (2a + x , 2b) = ,f (2b , x) = f (x):
Thus f (x) has period 4(a , b). (If a = b, then f (x + a) = f (a , x) = ,f (a + x) which
implies that f (x) is the zero function.)
The converse is not true. The function f (x) = x , [x] provides a counterexample.

Also solved (in about the same way) by SEUNG-JIN BANG, Seoul, Republic
of Korea; WALTHER JANOUS, Ursulinengymnasium, Innsbruck, Austria; MURRAY
S. KLAMKIN, University of Alberta; MARCIN E. KUCZMA, Warszawa, Poland; DAVID
E. MANES, SUNY at Oneonta, New York; CHRIS WILDHAGEN, Breda, The Netherlands; and the proposers.

1498

[1989: 298] Proposed by D.M. Milosevic, Pranjani, Yugoslavia.

Show that
Y ai
hi  (3r) s ;
:

i=1

where a ; a ; a are the sides of a triangle, h ; h ; h its altitudes, r its inradius, and s its
semiperimeter.
I. Solution by Mark Kisin, student, Monash University, Clayton, Australia.
By the generalized A.M.-G.M. inequality,
1
Y ai ! = s Y ai ! a1 +a2 +a3 a h + a h + a h
 a +a +a :
hi
=
hi
i
i
But
a h = a h = a h = 2(Area) = 2rs;
so
Y ai ! = s 6rs
hi
 2s = 3r;
1

1 2

=1

and the result follows.

i=1

=1

1 2

59
II. Solution by Walther Janous, Ursulinengymnasium, Innsbruck, Austria.
Using the relations hi = 2F=ai (i = 1; 2; 3) and r = Fs, where F is the area of the
triangle, the stated inequality becomes
Y
2 sF s ai ,ai  3 sF ss, s;
2

i=1

i.e.

 2s  s
 3 :
(1)
i
This inequality is the special case n = 3, p = p = p = 1, xi = ai (i = 1; 2; 3) of the
following.
THEOREM. Let p ; : : : ; pn be positive real numbers and put Pn = p + p +


+ pn. Then
for all positive real numbers x ; : : : ; xn,
Pn p x !Pni=1 pi xi
n
Y
xi pixi  i P i i
:
(2)
n
i
Proof. The function f (x) = x log x, x > 0, is convex. Thus we get
Pn p x !
n
X
pi f (xi )  Pnf i P i i ;
n
i
i.e., (2). 2
Since f (x) is strictly convex, equality holds in (1) if and only if a = a = a .
[Editor's note. Janous also generalizes the problem to n-dimensional simplices.
Using the method of solution I he obtains
nY
hi Fi  [(n + 1)r]F ;
i
where hi are the altitudes, Fi the (n , 1)-dimensional areas of the faces, F = P Fi , and r
is the inradius.]
Y
3

=1

ai ai

=1

=1

=1

=1

+1

=1

Also solved by L. J. HUT, Groningen, The Netherlands; MURRAY S. KLAMKIN,

University of Alberta; and MARCIN E. KUCZMA, Warszawa, Poland.
Klamkin's solution was very similar to solution II, obtaining a slightly weaker result.

1499. [1989: 298] Proposed by Herta T. Freitag,

Roanoke, Virginia.
1

A second-order linear recursive sequence fAng is dened by An = An + An

for all n  1, with A and A any integers. Select a set S of any 2m consecutive elements
from this sequence, where m is an odd integer. Prove that the sum of the numbers in S is
always divisible by the (m + 2)nd element of S , and the multiplying factor is Lm, the mth
Lucas number.
1

+2

+1

60
Solution by Chris Wildhagen, Breda, The Netherlands.
Let
p
p
1
+
5
1
,
 = 2 ;  = 2 5:
Then An = rn + s n for appropriate constants r and s. Thus
n+2X
m,1
k=n

Ak =
=
=

n+2
Xm,1

(rk + s k )

k=n
2X
m,1
2X
m,1
rn
k + s n
k
k=0
! k=0 2m !
2m
rn  , 1 + s n  , 1

,1

 ,1

rn+1(2m , 1) + s n+1( 2m , 1):

=
(1)
To prove the required result, note that
An m Lm = (rn m + s n m )(m +  m)
= rn m + rn ( )m + s n m + s n ( )m ;
and this equals (1), since  = ,1.
Also solved by RICHARD I. HESS, Rancho Palos Verdes, California; WALTHER
JANOUS, Ursulinengymnasium, Innsbruck, Austria; MARCIN E. KUCZMA, Warszawa,
 LOPEZ

Poland; MARIA ASCENSION
CHAMORRO, I.B. Leopoldo Cano, Valladolid,
Spain; BOB PRIELIPP, University of Wisconsin{Oshkosh; KENNETH M. WILKE,
Topeka, Kansas; and the proposer.
Lopez Chamorro points out a related problem, B{31 of the Fibonacci Quarterly,
solved on p. 233 of the October 1964 issue.
+

+1

+1

+2

+1

+1

+1

+2

+1

+1

1500. [1989: 299] Proposed by K.R.S. Sastry, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.

A parallelogram is called self-diagonal if its sides are proportional to its diagonals.

Suppose that ABCD is a self-diagonal parallelogram in which the bisector of angle ADB
meets AB at E . Prove that AE = AC , AB:
I. Editor's comment.
Three readers, MURRAY S. KLAMKIN, University of Alberta, P. PENNING,
Delft, The Netherlands, and KENNETH M. WILKE, Topeka, Kansas, point out that this
result is false in some cases, namely for self-diagonal parallelograms ABCD satisfying
AB=BC = BD=AC . Here is an example.
5
B PP
C



P
PP



PP
E 
PP
hhhh 1

A






hhhh
h

hhhh

PP

PP

P
hh h
hhhP

hP
hP

hP
hP
h
P

61

It is easy to see that AB = 5, AD = 5, BD = 10, and AC = 5 2, so ABCD is

self-diagonal. However, it is also pretty obvious that AE < AC , AB .
Penning and Wilke then showed that the problem is correct in the other case, that
AB=BC = AC=BD, which was the case intended by the proposer and considered by all
other solvers. Here are two of these solutions.
II. Solution by Jack Garfunkel, Flushing, N.Y.
Denote AB = a, BC = b, AC = d ,
DQ
C

E



Q

BD = d , AE = x. We are given
 E
Q


Q 

E


Q
a=d ;
E  Q


(1)

Q


E


Q
b d
Q
A x EE
B
and since DE bisects 6 ADB ,
x = b;
a,x d
or
x = b +abd :
We therefore have to show that
ab = d , a;
b+d
which simplies (by (1)) to showing that 2ab = d d . Now it is known that
d + d = 2(a + b )
or, by (1) again,
2(a + b ) = d + bad = da (a + b ):
1

2
1

2
2

2
1

2
1

2
1

Hence d = a 2; d = b 2, and so d d = 2ab.

III. Solution by Toshio Seimiya, Kawasaki, Japan.
We assume that AB : AD = AC : BD,
DQ
whence we get
E Q
1

AB
BD = AD
AC:

1 2

(2)


 

 E
Q


Q 

E

Q

E  Q



Q
  E

Q


E
Q

We put 6 ABD = ; 6 DAC =  . Because A 


B
E
ABCD is a parallelogram,
area
ABD = area
ACD:
Therefore we get
1 AB
BD sin  = 1 AD
AC sin :
2
2
Hence from (2) we have sin  = sin  , and since  +  <  we get  =  . Let F be the
point of intersection of AC with DE . As
6 AEF =  + 6 EDB =  + 6 ADE = 6 AFE;

62
we get AE = AF . Because
6

CDF = 6 AEF = 6 AFE = 6 CFD;

we have CF = CD. Hence

AE = AF = AC , CF = AC , CD = AC , AB:
Also solved by WILSON DA COSTA AREIAS, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil;
FRANCISCO BELLOT ROSADO, I.B. Emilio Ferrari, Valladolid, Spain; JORDI DOU,
Barcelona, Spain; HANS ENGELHAUPT, Franz{Ludwig{Gymnasium, Bamberg, Germany; RICHARD A. GIBBS, Fort Lewis College, Durango, Colorado; RICHARD I. HESS,
Rancho Palos Verdes, California; L.J. HUT, Groningen, The Netherlands; WALTHER
JANOUS, Ursulinengymnasium, Innsbruck, Austria; ANTONIO LUIZ SANTOS, Rio de
Janeiro, Brazil; D.J. SMEENK, Zaltbommel, The Netherlands; and the proposer.

1501. [1990: 19] Proposed by J.T. Groenman, Arnhem, The Netherlands.

Two circles K and K touch each other externally. The equilateral triangle ABC
is inscribed in K , and points A ; B ; C lie on K such that AA ; BB ; CC are tangent
to K . Prove that one of the lengths AA ; BB ; CC equals the sum of the other two.
(The case when the circles are internally tangent was a problem of Florow in Praxis der
Mathematik 13, Heft 12, page 327.)
Solution by Marcin E. Kuczma, Warszawa, Poland.
Let O; O ; r; r be the centers and radii of K and K , and let T be the point of
tangency. Assume without loss of generality that T belongs to the shorter arc AB . Then
by Ptolemaeus, AT
BC + BT
CA = CT
AB , whence
1

AT + BT = CT:

(1)

[This is of course known. |Ed.] Produce AT to cut K again in D. The isosceles triangles
AOT and TO D are similar in ratio r : r , and so AD=AT = (r + r )=r. Thus
s
q
AA = AT
AD = r +r r
AT;
1

and similarly for BB and CC . The claim results by (1).

Also solved by WILSON DA COSTA AREIAS, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil;
FRANCISCO BELLOT ROSADO, I.B. Emilio Ferrari, Valladolid, Spain; JORDI DOU,
Barcelona, Spain; HANS ENGELHAUPT, Franz-Ludwig-Gymnasium, Bamberg, Germany;
C. FESTRAETS-HAMOIR, Brussels, Belgium; RICHARD A. GIBBS, Fort Lewis College,
Durango, Colorado; JEFF HIGHAM, student, University of Toronto; L. J. HUT, Groningen, The Netherlands; WALTHER JANOUS, Ursulinengymnasium, Innsbruck, Austria;
1

63
DAG JONSSON, Uppsala, Sweden; TOSHIO SEIMIYA, Kawasaki, Japan; D.J. SMEENK,
Zaltbommel, The Netherlands; HUME SMITH, Chester, Nova Scotia; and the proposer.
Several solvers gave the above solution.
Janous located the problem in two Bulgarian sources: problem 38, page 58 of Davidov, Petkov, Tonov, and Chukanov, Mathematical Contests, Soa, 1977; and problem
4.32, pages 55{56 of J. Tabov, Homothety in Problems, Soa, 1989. He also found similar
problems on pp. 172{175 of Honsberger's Mathematical Morsels, MAA, 1978.

1503. [1990: 19] Proposed by M.S. Klamkin, University of Alberta.

Prove that

1 + 2 cos(B + C ) cos(C + A) cos(A + B )  cos (B + C ) + cos (C + A) + cos (A + B );

2

where A; B; C are nonnegative and A + B + C  .

I. Solution by C. Festraets-Hamoir, Brussels, Belgium.
Put
B + C = , C + A =  , A + B = ;
then the proposed inequality is T  0 where

T = cos  + cos  + cos , 2 cos  cos  cos , 1:

2

Solving T = 0 by considering T as a quadratic in cos , we obtain

q
2 cos  cos  4 cos  cos , 4(cos  + cos , 1)
cos  =
2
q
= cos  cos  (1 , cos  )(1 , cos )
= cos  cos  sin  sin = cos(  ):
2

Thus

T = (cos  , cos( + ))(cos  , cos( , ))

= 4 sin  + 2 + sin  , 2 , sin  + 2 , sin  , 2 +
= 4 sin(A + B + C ) sin(,A) sin C sin B
= ,4 sin(A + B + C ) sin A sin B sin C
 0;
since A + B + C   and A, B , C are non-negative.

64
II. Solution by the proposer.
Let
x = B + C , y = C + A, z = A + B:
Then x + y + z  2. Since 2A = y + z , x, etc., x, y, z must satisfy the triangle inequality.
Hence x, y, z are the angles of a (possibly degenerate) trihedral angle. If P, Q, R denote
unit vectors along the edges of this trihedral angle from the vertex, the volume V of the
tetrahedron formed from P, Q, R is given by 6V = P
(Q  R) [p. 26 problem 37 of
Spiegel, Vector Analysis (Schaum)]. Squaring, we obtain [p. 33 problem 89 of the same
reference]
 P
P P
Q P
R   1 cos y cos z 

 


 

36V =  Q
P Q
Q Q
R  =  cos y 1 cos x  :

 

 R
P R
Q R
R   cos z cos x 1 
On expanding out the determinant, we see that the given inequality corresponds to V  0.
There is equality if and only if x + y + z = 2 or one of x; y; z equals the sum of the other
two; correspondingly, if and only if A + B + C =  or ABC = 0.
Also solved by SEUNG-JIN BANG, Seoul, Republic of Korea; WALTHER
JANOUS, Ursulinengymnasium, Innsbruck, Austria; MARCIN E. KUCZMA, Warszawa,
Poland; and KEE-WAI LAU, Hong Kong.
2

JACK GARFUNKEL

One of Crux's regular contributors since its earliest days, Jack Garfunkel, passed
away on New Year's Eve, 1990. His many proposals in geometry, sometimes very dicult,
but often beautiful, were well appreciated by Crux readers. He will be missed. The
following information on his life was kindly furnished by his son, Sol Garfunkel.
Jack was born in Poland in 1910 and came to the United States at the age of nine.
Although one of the top math majors at City College in New York, he left academic life
after graduation to help his family weather the depression. For the next 25 years, he
worked manufacturing candy. At the age of 45, he returned to his rst love and became a
high school mathematics teacher. Over the next 24 years, he taught at Forest Hills High
School, supervising over two dozen Westinghouse nalist and semi-nalist winners of the
talent search. When he \retired" from high school teaching, he immediately began work as
an adjunct professor at Queens College and later at Queensborough Community College,
where he taught until November of 1990.
Throughout his two careers as candyman and teacher, he continued to do mathematics, conjecturing and solving problems in synthetic geometry and geometric inequalities.
While his formal education ended with his undergraduate work, he never lost his curiosity
and love of his subject.